Panel Board Emergency Lighting System

ABSTRACT

An emergency lighting system comprising an electrical panel board comprising a phase layout comprising a plurality of consecutively arranged phases wherein a pair of consecutive phases are of the same phase, a 2-pole branch circuit breaker electrically connected to the pair of consecutive phases that are of the same phase, and a 1-pole remotely-operated-relay electrically connected to one pole of the 2-pole branch circuit breaker. The emergency lighting system further comprises an emergency lighting fixture comprising a normal power input electrically connected to the load side of the 1-pole remotely-operated-relay such that the normal power input is connected to one phase of the plurality of phases, an emergency power input electrically connected to the load side of the 2-pole branch circuit breaker such that the emergency power input is electrically connected to the two consecutive phases of the same phase. The emergency lighting fixture further comprises a neutral power input and a battery electrically connected to the emergency power input.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to and the benefit of pending U.S.provisional patent application No. 61/099,238, filed Sep. 23, 2008,entitled “Panel Board Emergency Lighting System,” the entire disclosureof which provisional application is hereby incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to an emergency lighting system.

BACKGROUND ART

There has been an increasing demand for remotely controllable circuitbreakers that can reciprocate between an open circuit and a closedcircuit in response to a remotely generated command. One advantageousapplication for such circuit breakers is in the control panel boardsthat are used for automated control systems such as automated lightingsystems. Automated lighting systems have been developed for the controlof lighting circuits based upon inputs such as the time-of-day, wallswitches, occupancy sensors and/or control from a power distributionsystem. Lighting control systems offer an opportunity to save energy byautomating the process reducing the number of lighting fixtures that areilluminated, or by ceasing artificial lighting altogether whencircumstances warrant. For example, ambient light sensors can be used tocontrol lighting circuits in response to ambient light levels. Thesensors can serve both switching and automatic dimming functions thatcan adjust the output of the lighting system continuously in response tothe amount of daylight striking the ambient light sensor. Occupancysensors can be used to activate lighting when someone is in a space andto deactivate the lighting, perhaps after a set time interval, when aperson is no longer detected in the space. Using such a system,occupants no longer have to remember to turn the lights off when leavingthe space. Automated control systems may require a remotely controllablecircuit breaker, or relay. It is desirable that such circuit breakershave a low cost and high reliability.

Standard three-phase electric panel boards are offered in various sizes,the most common of which, but not limited to, are 18 circuits, 30circuits, and 42 circuits. These standard electric panel boardstypically have a phase layout in the order of A-Phase, B-Phase, C-Phase,A-Phase, B-Phase, C-Phase, etc. The order of the phase layout startsfrom the top continues to the bottom, starting from A-Phase and endingat C-Phase. An example of a normal phase layout for a panel having 18circuits is: A, B, C, A, B, C, A, B, C.

All electrical lighting must comply with the National Electric Codes(NEC). For example, the provisions of NEC Section 700, apply toelectrical safety of the installation, operation and maintenance ofemergency systems consisting of circuits and equipment intended tosupply, distribute, and control electricity for illumination or power,or both, to required facilities when the normal electrical supply orsystem is interrupted. NEC code Section 700.12 specifically applies toemergency lighting. NEC code Section 700.12 states that the currentsupply of electricity shall be such that, in the event of failure of thenormal supply of electricity to or within the structure concerned,emergency lighting, emergency power, or both shall be available withinthe time required for the application but not to exceed a time delay of10 seconds. NEC code Section 700.12 further states that in a separateand uninterrupted area supplied by a minimum of three normal lightingcircuits, a separate branch circuit for unit equipment shall bepermitted if it originates from the same panel board as that of thenormal lighting circuits and is provided with a lock-on feature.

Circuit breaker panels are also used to protect electrical circuitryfrom damage due to an over-current condition, such as an overload, arelatively high level short circuit, or a ground fault condition. Inorder to perform that function, circuit breaker panels include circuitbreakers that typically contain a switch unit and a trip unit. Theswitch unit is coupled to the electrical circuitry (i.e., lines andloads) such that it can open or close the electrical path of theelectrical circuitry. The switch unit includes a pair of separablecontacts per phase, a pivoting contact arm per phase, an operatingmechanism, and an operating handle. In the over-current condition, allthe pairs of separable contacts are disengaged or tripped, opening theelectrical circuitry. When the over-current condition is no longerpresent, the circuit breaker can be reset such that all the pairs ofseparable contacts are engaged, closing the electrical circuitry inaddition to manual over-current protection via the operating handle,automatic over-current protection is also provided via the trip unit.The trip unit, coupled to the switch unit, senses the electricalcircuitry for the over-current condition and automatically trips thecircuit breaker. When the over-current condition is sensed, a trippingmechanism included in the trip unit actuates the operating mechanism,thereby disengaging the first contact from the second contact for eachphase Typically, the operating handle is coupled to the operatingmechanism such that when the tripping mechanism actuates the operatingmechanism to separate the contacts, the operating handle also moves to atripped position.

The general terms “switchgear and switchboard” are used to refer toelectrical equipment including metal enclosures that house switching andinterrupting devices such as fuses, circuit breakers and relays, alongwith associated control, instrumentation and metering devices. Theenclosures typically include devices such as bus bars, inner connectionsand supporting structures (generally referred to herein as “panels”)used for the distribution of electrical power. Such electrical equipmentcan be maintained in a building such as a factory or commercialestablishment, or it can be maintained outside of such facilities andexposed to environmental weather conditions. Typically, hinge doors orcovers are provided on the front of the switchgear or switchboardsections for access to the devices contained therein. In addition toelectrical distribution and the protection of circuitry fromover-current conditions, components have been added to panels for thecontrol of electrical power supplied to loads connected to circuitbreakers. For example, components have been used to control electricalpower for lighting. One system used for controlling electrical power toloads utilizes a remote-operated circuit breaker system. In such asystem, the switch unit of the circuit breaker operates not only inresponse to an over-current condition, but also in response to a signalreceived from a control unit separate from the circuit breaker. Thecircuit breaker is specially constructed for use as a remote-operatedcircuit breaker, and contains a motor for actuating the switch unit.

In an exemplary remote-operated circuit breaker system, a control unitis installed on the panel and is hard-wired to the remote-operatedcircuit breaker through a control bus. When the switch unit of thecircuit breaker is to be closed or opened, an operating current isapplied to or removed from the circuit breaker motor directly by thecontrol panel. Additional, separate conductors are provided in the busfor feedback information such as contact confirmation, etc., for eachcircuit breaker position in the panel. The control unit containselectronics for separately applying and removing the operating currentto the circuit breakers installed in particular circuit breakerpositions in the panel. The panel control unit also has electronics forchecking the state of the circuit breaker, diagnostics, etc. Oneadvantage of that system is that the individual circuit breakers can beaddressed according to their positions in the panel. Operation of remoteoperated circuit breakers requires a means to receive command signals toopen or close, report back successful operation or device status, anddrive opening and closing of switch mechanism contacts. In order to meetthese requirements most efficiently, electronic circuitry is required.Typically, this circuitry is external to the switching device, due tocomponent size and amount of power required. Locating communication anddriver circuitry outside the switching device necessitates that thecircuitry always be present in the panel board even if the switchingdevice is not.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,034,581 (DiMarco, et al.), the entire disclosure ofwhich is incorporated herein by reference, discloses a contact assembly22 which is adapted for use with a circuit breaker 12 that is set toopen a circuit above a predetermined current load. The contact assembly22 is adapted to reciprocate between a closed position to permit theflow of current through the circuit and an open position to prevent theflow of current. The contact assembly 22 is further adapted to resistunintended reciprocation from the closed position to the open positionat current loads up to or exceeding the predetermined current load. Thecontact assembly includes a line side conductor 38 and a load sideconductor 54. When in the closed position, a surface 42 of the line sideconductor 38 extends proximal to a surface 56 of the load side conductor54 and current flows in substantially the same direction along the lineside and load side surfaces 42 and 56 to generate an electromagneticattraction between the conductors 38 and 54 in order to resistunintended reciprocation of the contact assembly 22 from the closedposition to the open position due to inherent repulsion forces presentacross the contact points (contact constriction forces). U.S. Pat. No.6,034,581 also describes a circuit breaker assembly 10 and an automatedcontrol system 300.

U.S. Patent Publication No. 20080084644 (William A. King), the entiredisclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, discloses anelectrical distribution system for selectively connecting an electricalpower source to load devices comprising a panel board having a pluralityof load circuit positions. A remote operated device is mountable in thepanel board comprising a load control device, and a device control forcontrolling the load control device. The device control comprises aprogrammed controller for operating the load control device responsiveto control commands and a communication circuit for receiving controlcommands. An input output (I/O) controller is mounted in the panel boardfor controlling operation of the remote operated device. The I/Ocontroller comprises a programmed controller for generating the controlcommands for commanding operation of the remote operated device. Thecontrol system includes a communication circuit for communication withthe remote operated device communication circuit.

There are commercially available emergency light fixtures that combinenormal lighting and emergency lighting in one fixture. These lightfixtures require two separate AC power inputs from the electrical panelboard. A first AC input is for the normal lighting, which may require aremotely controlled circuit breaker or relay. A second AC input is forthe emergency lighting. This second AC input provides power for chargingthe internal battery located in the fixture, and for powering thefixture's internal control circuits that sense loss of power from theelectrical panel board and activate the emergency lighting circuitspowered by the internal battery.

What is needed is a panel board emergency lighting system that overcomesthe aforesaid problems of the prior art.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

One purpose of the present invention is to provide an electrical powerdistribution panel that overcomes the problems and deficiencies of theprior art electrical power distribution panels.

Another purpose of the present invention is to provide a low cost andhigh reliability remotely controllable circuit breaker.

A further purpose of the present invention is to provide a remotelyoperated device that includes internal intelligence in an electricalpower distribution system.

One feature of the present invention is that is can be configured foruse with an automated control system.

Thus, the present invention is directed, in one aspect, to an emergencylighting system comprising an electrical panel board comprising a phaselayout comprising a plurality of consecutively arranged phases wherein apair of consecutive phases are of the same phase, a 2-pole branchcircuit breaker electrically connected to the pair of consecutive phasesthat are of the same phase, and a 1-pole remotely-operated-relayelectrically connected to one pole of the 2-pole branch circuit breaker.The emergency lighting system further comprises an emergency lightingfixture comprising a normal power input electrically connected to theload side of the 1-pole remotely-operated-relay such that the normalpower input is connected to one phase of the plurality of phases, anemergency power input electrically connected to the load side of the2-pole branch circuit breaker such that the emergency power input iselectrically connected to the two consecutive phases of the same phase,and a neutral power input. The emergency lighting fixture furthercomprises a battery electrically connected to the emergency power input.

In another aspect, the present invention is directed to an electricalpanel board comprising a phase layout comprising a plurality ofconsecutively arranged phases comprising at least one pair ofconsecutive phases that are of a first phase, a 2-pole branch circuitbreaker electrically connected to the pair of consecutive phases thatare of the first phase, and a 1-pole remotely-operated-relayelectrically connected to one pole of the 2-pole branch circuit breaker.In another embodiment of the electrical panel board, the plurality ofconsecutively arranged phases further comprises a pair of consecutivephases that are of a second phase that is different than the firstphase, and an additional 2-pole branch circuit breaker is electricallyconnected to the pair of consecutive phases that are of the secondphase, and an additional 1-pole remotely-operated-relay that iselectrically connected to one pole of the additional 2-pole branchcircuit breaker.

Advantages, features and other purposes of the present invention aredescribed in the ensuing description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Although the scope of the present invention is much broader than anyparticular embodiment, a detailed description of the preferredembodiment follows together with drawings. These drawings are forillustration purposes only and are not drawn to scale. Like numbersrepresent like features and components in the drawings. The inventionmay best be understood by reference to the ensuing detailed descriptionin conjunction with the drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an emergency lighting system in accordancewith one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a branch wiring using theemergency lighting system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 illustrates a typical connection for an emergency lightingcomponent using the emergency lighting system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4A is a block diagram of the electrical panel board shown in FIG.1, the electrical panel board having two emergency circuits with a totalof eighteen circuits overall;

FIG. 4B is a block diagram of an alternate electrical panel board whichcan be used in the emergency lighting system shown in FIG. 1, thealternate electrical panel board having four emergency circuits with atotal of eighteen circuits overall;

FIG. 5A is a block diagram of an electrical panel board in accordancewith another embodiment of the invention, the electrical panel boardhaving two emergency circuits with a total of thirty circuits overall;

FIG. 5B is a block diagram of an electrical panel board in accordancewith a further embodiment of the invention, the electrical panel boardhaving four emergency circuits with a total of thirty circuits overall;

FIG. 5C is a block diagram of an electrical panel board in accordancewith a further embodiment of the invention, the electrical panel boardhaving six emergency circuits with a total of thirty circuits overall;

FIG. 5D is a block diagram of an electrical panel board in accordancewith a further embodiment of the invention, the electrical panel boardhaving eight emergency circuits with a total of thirty circuits overall;

FIG. 6A is a block diagram of an electrical panel board in accordancewith yet another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6B is a block diagram of an electrical panel board in accordancewith a further embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6C is a block diagram of an electrical panel board in accordancewith yet another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6D is a block diagram of an electrical panel board in accordancewith still another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6E is a block diagram of an electrical panel board in accordancewith a further embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6F is a block diagram of an electrical panel board in accordancewith yet another embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 7 is an elevation view of a power distribution panel according tothe invention.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION:

Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown emergency lighting system 23 of thepresent invention. Emergency lighting system 23 comprises electricalpanel board 10 and emergency fixture 20. Electrical panel board 10 isshown in FIGS. 1 and 4A. Electrical panel board 10 has two emergencycircuits, with a total of eighteen circuits overall. Electrical panelboard 10 is electrically connected to emergency fixture 20 viacontrolled normal lighting line 16, which is connected to the normalpower input 22, and non-controlled emergency line 18 that is connectedto emergency input 24. Neutral power line 19 is connected betweenneutral connection 13 of electrical panel board 10 and neutralconnection 26 of emergency fixture 20. For purposes of illustrationonly, electrical panel board 10 is shown having 18 circuits. FIG. 4Bshows alternate electrical panel board 10′ that can be used in place ofelectrical panel board 10 in emergency lighting system 23. Electricalpanel board 10′ has four emergency circuits, with a total of eighteencircuits overall.

As described in the foregoing description, commercially availableelectrical panel boards typically have a phase layout in the order ofA-Phase, B-Phase, C-Phase, A-Phase, B-Phase, C-Phase, . . . etc.starting from the top to the bottom, and starting from A-Phase andending at C-Phase. An example for the normal phase layout for aneighteen circuit panel would be A, B, C, A, B, C, A, B, C. However, inaccordance with the invention, electrical panel board 10 is configuredso that any two phases are consecutive. For example, as shown in FIG. 1,the phase change layout is A, B, C, C, B, C, A, B, C and in this case,two “C” phases 11 are consecutively.

In accordance with the invention, a 2-pole branch BQD circuit breaker 12is connected to the two consecutive phases that have the same phase.Thus, the aforesaid 2-pole branch circuit breaker can be connected tothe same phases such as A-A, B-B, or C-C. As shown in FIG. 1, 2-polebranch BQD circuit breaker 12 is connected to the C-C phase combination.

Referring to FIG. 1, a 1-pole remotely-operated-relay (ROR) 14 iselectrically connected to one pole of the 2-pole BQD circuit breaker 12.Remotely-operated-relays, or “ROR”, are known in the art and used in i-3Control Technology, also known as ILC (Integrated Lighting Control). Aremotely-operated-relay allows remote switching of an electrical branchload and is configured to fit inside a standard electrical panel boardwith up to forty-two branch circuit breakers. A remotely-operated-relayalso functions as an accessory to a branch circuit breaker allowingrepetitive switching of the load without affecting operation of thecircuit protection device. Commercially availableremotely-operated-relay devices are available in a 1-pole, and a 2-poleconfiguration.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, in order to provide normal as well asemergency lighting, controlled line 16 is electrically connected betweenthe 1-pole remotely-operated-relay 14 and normal lighting input orinverter 22 of emergency lighting fixture or ballast 20, andnon-controlled line 18 is electrically connected between the 2-pole BQDcircuit breaker 12 and the internal battery or emergency input 24 ofemergency lighting fixture 20. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram thatillustrates a branch wiring of the emergency lighting system 23 shown inFIG. 1. Emergency lighting fixture 20 is wired in such a way thatcontrolled line wire 16 is connected to the load side of the 1-poleremotely-operated-relay 14, and non-controlled line wire 18 is connectedto the load side of the 2-pole BQD 12. The 2-pole BQD circuit breaker 12is then connected to the two consecutive phases that are of the samephase 30 (e.g. C phase-C phase).

Referring to FIG. 3, there is shown emergency lighting fixture 20electrically connected to electrical panel board 10 which has A-phase32, B-phase 34, and C-phase 36. Controlled line wire 16 connectsremotely-operated-relay 14 to normal input 22 of emergency fixture 20and non-controlled line wire 18 connects one pole of 2-pole BQD circuitbreaker 12 and emergency input 24 of emergency fixture 20. For purposesof simplifying the diagram, neutral wire 19 is not shown.

Electrical panel board 10 may be modified to have different numbers ofemergency circuits and overall circuits. Such embodiments are shown inFIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, 6E and 6F.

FIG. 5A is a block diagram of alternate electrical panel board 110 whichis configured to have two emergency circuits and total of thirtycircuits overall. FIG. 5B is a block diagram of alternate electricalpanel board 120 which has four emergency circuits and a total of thirtycircuits overall. FIG. 5C is a block diagram of an electrical panelboard 130 in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention. Inthis embodiment, electrical panel board 130 has six emergency circuitswith a total of thirty circuits overall. FIG. 5D is a block diagram ofan electrical panel board 140 in accordance with another embodiment ofthe invention. Electrical panel board 140 has eight emergency circuitswith a total of thirty circuits overall.

FIG. 6A is a block diagram of alternate electrical panel board 210 whichhas two emergency circuits and a total of forty two circuits overall.FIG. 6B is a block diagram of alternate electrical panel board 220 whichhas four emergency circuits and a total of forty two circuits overall.FIG. 6C is a block diagram of alternate electrical panel board 230 whichhas six emergency circuits and a total of forty two circuits overall.FIG. 6D is a block diagram of alternate electrical panel board 240 whichhas eight emergency circuits and a total of forty two circuits overall.FIG. 6E is a block diagram of alternate electrical panel board 250 whichhas ten emergency circuits and a total of forty two circuits overall.FIG. 6F is a block diagram of alternate electrical panel board 260 whichhas twelve emergency circuits and a total of forty two circuits overall.

In an alternate embodiment, electrical panel board 10 is configured touse a remotely controlled circuit breaker in combination with anautomated control device. Such an automated control system and remotelycontrolled circuit breaker are described in the aforesaid U.S. Pat. No.6,034,581, the entire disclosure of which patent is hereby incorporatedby reference.

Electrical panel board 10 may be used with any one of a variety of loaddevices, e.g. a relay, a circuit breaker, a current meter, a dimmer, anda magnetically held solenoid. If the load device comprises amagnetically held solenoid, then a sensing device can be used forsensing the position of the magnetically held solenoid. A statusindicator device may also be electrically connected to electrical panelboard 10. In yet a further embodiment, electrical panel board 10 isconnected to a programmed controller that comprises at least onemicrocontroller and associated memory. A suitable load device andprogrammed controller are described in the aforesaid U.S. PatentApplication Publication Number 20080084644, the entire disclosure ofwhich publication is hereby incorporated by reference.

As stated in the foregoing description, an electrical distributionsystem, such as an integrated lighting control system in accordance withthe invention, allows a user to control power circuits used forlighting, as well as circuits for resistive heating or air conditioning,with a remote operated device including internal intelligence. Thelighting control system may include on/off switching, dimming andmetering. The electrical distribution system may be as generallydescribed in United States Patent Application Publication No 20070064360(John DeBoer, et al.), filed Sep. 12, 2006, the entire disclosure ofwhich is hereby incorporated by reference.

Referring now to FIG. 7, a lighting control system in accordance withone aspect of the invention comprises lighting control panel 300. In oneembodiment, panel 300 comprises a Siemens type P1 panel board. However,it is to be understood that the Siemens type P1 panel board is just oneexample and that other suitable panel boards may be used. Line powerenters panel 300 through power source cables 302 connected to a sourceof power 304. Line power may, for example, be a conventional three phase480Y277, 240 or 120 VAC power source. Cables 302 are electricallyconnected to an input side of a main breaker 306. Main breaker 306distributes line power to individual circuit breakers 308 in aconventional manner. How the power is distributed depends on design ofthe individual circuit breakers 308, as will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art. The power is distributed to the line side ofindividual circuit breakers 308. Panel 300 may be configured to acceptup to forty-two individual circuit breakers 308, although only thirtyare shown in the embodiment of FIG. 7. Each circuit breaker may be ofconventional construction and may be, for example, a Siemens BQD circuitbreaker. Each circuit breaker 308 includes a line terminal 308Areceiving power from the main breaker 306 and a load terminal 308Bconventionally used for connecting to a load circuit.

In accordance with the invention, each load circuit to be controlledalso has a remote operated device 310, such as a relay, a meter or adimmer. The term “remote operated device” as used herein includes anyother devices that controls, monitors or may otherwise be used in a loadcircuit, in accordance with the invention. While in a preferredembodiment, the remote operated device 310 is a separate component fromthe circuit breaker 308, the term “remote operated device” as usedherein encompasses devices integral with the circuit breaker. The remoteoperated devices 310 are also connected to data rails 312A and 312B.Remote operated device 310 includes housing 310H that encases anauxiliary set of contacts that can be remotely operated to open andclose a lighting circuit. Remote operated device 310 is attached to theload side of a circuit breaker 308 within panel 300 using a conductortab, i.e., a terminal inserted into the breaker lug. Load terminal 308Bcomprises a lug of the same size as the breaker lug for connecting to awire to be connected to the load device. Housing 310H is configured tobe mounted in a Siemens type P1 panel board, although the invention isnot limited to such a configuration. Control panel 300 includes panelcontroller 314, and a user interface 354. Panel controller 314 controlsremote operated devices 310 through connections provided via data rails312A and 312B. Panel controller 314 further comprises an input/output(I/O) controller and optionally a system controller.

While the present invention has been particularly described inconjunction with a specific preferred embodiment, it is evident thatmany alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent tothose skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. It istherefore contemplated that the appended claims will embrace any suchalternatives, modifications and variations as falling within the truescope and spirit of the present invention.

1. An emergency lighting system, comprising: an electrical panel boardcomprising a phase layout comprising a plurality of consecutivelyarranged phases wherein a pair of consecutive phases are of the samephase; a 2-pole branch circuit breaker electrically connected to thepair of consecutive phases that are of the same phase; and a 1-poleremotely-operated-relay electrically connected to one pole of the 2-polebranch circuit breaker.
 2. The emergency lighting system according toclaim 1 further comprising an emergency lighting fixture comprising: anormal power input electrically connected to the load side of the 1-poleremotely-operated-relay such that the normal power input is connected toone phase of the plurality of phases; an emergency power inputelectrically connected to the load side of the 2-pole branch circuitbreaker such that the emergency power input is electrically connected tothe two consecutive phases of the same phase; and a neutral power input.3. The emergency lighting system according to claim 2 wherein theemergency lighting fixture further comprises a battery electricallyconnected to the emergency power input.
 4. The emergency lighting systemaccording to claim 1 wherein the 2-pole branch circuit breaker comprisesa BQD circuit breaker.
 5. The emergency lighting system according toclaim 1 wherein the 2-pole branch circuit breaker comprises a remotelycontrollable circuit breaker.
 6. The emergency lighting system accordingto claim 5 further comprising an automated control system electricallyconnected to the electrical panel board for controlling the remotelycontrollable circuit breaker.
 7. The emergency lighting system accordingto claim 1 further comprising a programmed controller for controllingthe 2-pole branch circuit breaker.
 8. The emergency lighting systemaccording to claim 1 further comprising a load control deviceelectrically connected to the normal and emergency power inputs and theneutral input of the emergency lighting fixture.
 9. The emergencylighting system according to claim 1 wherein the 2-pole branch circuitbreaker comprises at least one status indicator.
 10. The emergencylighting system according to claim 1 wherein the circuit breaker furthercomprises a load terminal and wherein the emergency lighting systemfurther comprises a remote operated device electrically connected to theload side of the circuit breaker.
 11. The emergency lighting systemaccording to claim 10 wherein the remote operated device comprises arelay.
 12. The emergency lighting system according to claim 10 whereinthe remote operated device comprises a meter.
 13. The emergency lightingsystem according to claim 10 wherein the remote operated devicecomprises a dimmer.
 14. The emergency lighting system according to claim10 wherein the electrical panel board further comprises at least onedata rail, and wherein the remote operated device is also electricallyconnected to the data rail.
 15. The emergency lighting system accordingto claim 14 further comprising a controller in electrically connected tothe data rail.
 16. The emergency lighting system according to claim 15further comprising a user interface in electronic data communicationwith the controller.
 17. An electrical panel board comprising a phaselayout comprising a plurality of consecutively arranged phasescomprising at least one pair of consecutive phases that are of a firstphase, a 2-pole branch circuit breaker electrically connected to thepair of consecutive phases that are of the first phase, and a 1-poleremotely-operated-relay electrically connected to one pole of the 2-polebranch circuit breaker.
 18. The electrical panel board according toclaim 17 wherein the plurality of consecutively arranged phases furthercomprises a pair of consecutive phases that are of a second phase thatis different than the first phase.
 19. The electrical panel boardaccording to claim 18 further comprising an additional 2-pole branchcircuit breaker electrically connected to the pair of consecutive phasesthat are of the second phase, and an additional 1-poleremotely-operated-relay electrically connected to one pole of theadditional 2-pole branch circuit breaker.
 20. An emergency lightingsystem, comprising: an electrical panel board comprising a phase layoutcomprising a plurality of consecutively arranged phases wherein a pairof consecutive phases are of the same phase; a 2-pole branch circuitbreaker electrically connected to the pair of consecutive phases thatare of the same phase; a 1-pole remotely-operated-relay electricallyconnected to one pole of the 2-pole branch circuit breaker; and anemergency lighting fixture comprising: a normal power input electricallyconnected to the load side of the 1-pole remotely-operated-relay suchthat the normal power input is connected to one phase of the pluralityof phases; an emergency power input electrically connected to the loadside of the 2-pole branch circuit breaker such that the emergency powerinput is electrically connected to the two consecutive phases of thesame phase; a neutral power input; and a battery electrically connectedto the emergency power input.